A significant modernization project in the Central Sterilization Department has been successfully completed at Vidzeme Hospital, which included functional redesign of the premises, fully renewed infrastructure, and the introduction of modern, automated technologies to ensure the highest sterility standards and the ability to effectively process an ever-increasing volume of instruments. This project, implemented with European Union financial support, is a vital step in the hospital's strategic development, especially considering the rapid increase in the number of operations in complex fields such as spinal surgery. The previous equipment, which served honorably since 2013, was physically and technologically worn out and could no longer fully provide the necessary capacity; therefore, the reconstruction and technological renewal of the department was an essential step for raising work efficiency and quality.
The construction work carried out within the project included fundamental changes to the department's structure, including the creation of new airlocks and the construction of a modern sterile material warehouse, which strengthens the previously ensured separation of clean and dirty instrument flows in accordance with the latest epidemiological requirements. Alongside the reconstruction of the premises, the department has been equipped with powerful and resource-efficient equipment – new surgical instrument pre-treatment stations, washing and disinfection devices, thermochemical processing equipment for flexible endoscopes, as well as two new autoclaves. The new technologies are not only more functional and capacious but also more environmentally friendly, for example, consuming half as much water in washing processes and significantly reducing the consumption of electricity and chemicals, while simultaneously creating an ergonomic and health-safe working environment for the hospital staff.
Santa Upeniece, Head of the Medical Technology Department at Vidzeme Hospital, emphasizes: “The renewal of the Central Sterilization Department is a strategic step that allows us to raise patient safety to a new level. By introducing the most modern technologies, we not only improve productivity but also guarantee excellent service quality regardless of the work intensity. This modernization clearly confirms our commitment to providing the region's residents with modern medical care that meets the highest standards.”
With the conclusion of the project, Vidzeme Hospital has strengthened its position as a regional leader in the provision of sterilization services. The modernized department now operates at full capacity, ensuring that every treatment process is provided with instruments prepared qualitatively and according to standards, thus directly improving the quality of treatment and patient safety as a whole.
According to the concluded construction contract, the direct costs of premises construction and adaptation were 1,012,123.56 euros. Meanwhile, to ensure the department's operation in accordance with modern medical standards, 598,768.50 euros were invested in the purchase of new and energy-efficient sterilization equipment.
The project took place within the framework of the European Union Cohesion Policy Programme for 2021–2027, Specific Support Objective 4.1.1 "Ensure equal access to health care and strengthen the resilience of the health system, including primary health care," Measure 4.1.1.1 "Development of healthcare institution infrastructure," first round project No. 4.1.1.1/1/24/I/008 "Infrastructure development of SIA Vidzemes slimnīca, ensuring equal access to healthcare and strengthening the health system."
